All Aboard The Procrastination Train

I’m going to write a few blog posts, edit some others, and start to plan for the next newsletter. Maybe even read a chapter in my book if I’m a good-little-blogger and get all of my work done.

Free from the distraction of the internet and with no ability to explore more than our train car, it is the best chance to dig in and get lots done.

After each Train Ride, I come away disgruntled at myself and my extreme lack of productivity.

But I can’t help it. As soon as I get settled into the seat, my priorities vanish. There are suddenly many things that are far more important than work.

Like, check out that castle up on the hill! That’s been five…six…seven vineyards we’ve passed since the last town. Look at all those olive trees…mmm…fresh olive oil…pasta…what am I going to eat tonight?

Oh look!More gorgeous coastline with crystal blue water.

Without fail, I get sucked into my surroundings and the ever-changing views speeding past.

I get reflective. There’s nothing like gorgeous scenery, comfy first class seats and an iPod full of good music to encourage plenty of gazing and contemplating of life’s biggest perplexities. I even have a music playlist created for this purpose, entitled staring-out-of-train-windows-mix. It contains the sort of mellow tunes that transcend without overwhelming.

And then when it gets to be too much, when the passing scenery becomes a blur and the weight of life’s grand mysteries grow heavy on my eyelids, I nap. The gentle rocking and clacking of the train lulls me into sweet superficial sleep with musical dreams.

As for Pete – he is much more disciplined, using the time to organize photos from our latest stop.

And when he sees me with my earbuds in, he knows not to disturb. This is my alone time, to be beside myself and within my thoughts.

In between sight seeing and the never ending work of blogging, this is my only chance to get nothing done.

Oh man, welcome to my life! I really need to be in a quiet place and turn off all distractions. I am the king of procrastination! I always have so much I want to do that I don’t get done. However, castles, vineyards, and reflections (which I do quite often) are a good thing too! Jeremy Branham recently posted..Best of travel 2011: My favorite travel moments of the year

This is me. I always promise myself I will write. When I had my two day transit to Thailand, I swore I’d get started with my book, or at least do some blogging. I did nothing. Usually, I have all of these high hopes, but the most I do is edit photos because, while it requires attention, it doesn’t require a steady train of thought.DTravelsRound recently posted..Escape of the Week: Radovljica, Slovenia

I’m the same way, whether it’s on a plane, train, or bus. I always tell myself I’m going to be productive… but I’m lucky if I even crack open my book or turn my laptop on. Usually, like you, I just wind up chilling to music and enjoying the scenery. Or I nap. Napping is good, too.Amanda recently posted..Travel Video: The Great American Road Trip

Aww I love that last photo I am the same way any time I get onto any kind of transportation… planes, trains, buses, even if someone else drives a car. It’s a complete shutdown. When people say they hate flying I’m like, “Oh really? I love it, I just stare into space and do nothing for hours!”sam kelly recently posted..Who Am I?

I am exactly the same on train journeys…start out with the best of intentions and then…nothing! Too much to look at, great time to think and relax. Planes are the only place I can get anything done – and I usually end up being super productive. Train journeys should be embraced for what they are…which is the perfect opportunity to do nothing

I spend between 1, to 2 hours per working day on trains, and I just love looking out of the window or reading a book (and often leafing through guidebooks!). I actually love having this time to myself so I can do very little.Denise recently posted..Pura Tanah Lot, Bali: Too touristy? Who cares?

I do the same thing. Make big plans to do this, this, and this and then do That. Nothing but sit and enjoy the scenery. Isn’t that why we travel though?Tricia recently posted..Where Should We Go In….Chile – Part One